Covered button



A. DRITZ COVERED BUTTON May 9, 1961 Filed Nov. 8, 1957 INVENTOR.

- United States Patent COVERED BUTTON Filed Nov.-8, 1957, Ser. No. 695,293 17 Claims. (Cl. 24-413 The present invention relates to the structure .of a button to be covered and assembled by a home dressmaker, and in particular to structure by means of which the parts of the button are retained in assembled position.

The demand is exceedingly great on the part of the public for buttons which can be assembled by the home dressmaker, and which may be covered by her with fabric appropriate to the garment with which they are to be used. Such buttons generally comprise telescopabletop and bottom sections, the top section first being covered by the fabric selected by the home dressmaker before the bottom section is secured thereto. Despite the widespread existence and large volume of sales of buttons of this type, they have in the past left much to bedesired, particularly with respect to the security of attachment between the top and bottom button sectionsand the security with which the covering fabric is held in place.

It has in the past been proposed to provide the top button section with one or more prongsadapted to be passed through the bottom button section and bent along the outer surface thereof in order to hold the sections in position. This construction has not met with-any particular degree of consumer acceptance, in part .because the security of attachment afforded thereby was not particularly great, in part because the tips of. the prongs were exposed and tended to catch the fabric of Q the garment to which the button was attached, and particularly that portion of the garment into which the button is adapted to be buttoned, and in part becausethe button structure was either weak or of undue complexity.

The button structure of the present invention is'of the samegeneral type as! above set forth, but is so designed as to eliminate the drawbacks set forth above, and by means of a structure which can .r eadily b e manufactured and assembled at a minimal and competitive cost. In addition, the means employed toretain the two button sections in assembled position is also elfective to engage the covering fabric and assist in retainingthat covering fabn'cin proper taut condition on thetop button section.

In accordance with the above,; the top button section is provided with a pair of prongs --adap tedto pass through .an apertureain the bottombuttonsection when the two sections are assembled, theprojedting portionsof these prongs or fingers then being bent 're-entrantly into hollow interior of the buttonthrough additional apertures formed in the bottom button section on ,opposite sides Iofthe first mentionediaperture, thetips of the re-entrantly bent fingers orprongs preferablyv engaging a portion of the fabric cove1ing .andrthus assistinginholding the latter in place. These fingersarei forme E t a sheet of metal or the like, received theshellof the top. button section that sheet bein'g held in place within. the shell ,by being sandwichedfbtweentheshell,

, andasecond member telescopedintio the shell, the-second member. having anaperture through whichlhe fingers f or prongs extend. The. sheet .Whichfdefine t h e fingers also ea 5 a securing loop positioned between and extending an m ne ess esseawater an integral part of I and then being bent over the base 8 ofthe securing loop, 18 extending between-ands'ubstantially parallel to the fingers 14. A second member genbeing here shown in the form of an appropriately shaped strip of wire or the like. i V V f In addition, means comprising a ring of paper or comf parable material is interposed between the inside ,of the top button section and that portion of the covering fabric which is folded inside the top button section, the paper sheet being adhesively secured both to, the top'but'ton section and to the infolded fabric portion; thereby further serving to retain the folded fabric covering, in proper condition, but without in any way detracting from the appearance of the button and its capacity to retain that appearance.

objects as may hereinafter appear, thepresent invention relates to a button structure as defined in the appended claims and as describedin this specification, taken. together with the accompanying drawings, in'which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the partsof the button of the present invention, including the fabric covering therefor; I I Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of. the .top button section; t v

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the topbutton section with the fabric covering applied thereto; f

Fig. 4 isa cross sectional view of thebutton with'the button section telescoped into the fabric-covered top section, but before the prongs are bent down;

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view similar to'Fig. 4 but showing the prongs re-entrantly bent and engaging'th'e fabriccover; s I V Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the button of Fig. 14, with a portion of the bottom button section .brokeh y; e v Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the button of Fig. 5

and

Formed integrally from the sheet 8, and bentup therefrom about the lines 12, are a pair offingers ortpron gs 1'4,.spaced from one another by the'base portion-82: Holes 16 lare formed in the base 8, inside the bending lines 12 or .projections thereof, and a securing loop 18 is mountedon vtheLbaseS, portions thereof passing through the hole 1 6 erally designated 22 and defined bya base 24 and a 26 is alsoreceived within theshell 2, the .rimiflex-g tending along and firmly frictionally engagingftheshell rim 4. The base 24 of the member-22 is providedlwith :a central aperture 28 through which the,fingers 14 andr securing loop 18 pass. As may best be seen from Big.

2, ii /assembly of the top button sectionthe first, member 6 is seated in the shell 2- and then the-second member 22 is forced into the shell 2 sodas to press the first member 6 into seated positionand holdit there. The top button section is adapted to be-coveredby a 1 3 sheet of fabric generallydesignated 30, that fabric being of a size such as to completely cover the outer periphery, I

of the shellZ and its rim4-and then to befolded-inside 1 I the shell 2 and over theradially outer 'portionpf the i exposed surface of the second member 24, as maybe see n a. in Fig. .3. As here specifically disclosedthe fabric sheet a. I 30 is; provided along the radially outer portion thereof which 'isadapted to be folded into the shell 2 when at 20, theabody attached ring 32 of fabric the exposed surface of which is provided with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The ring 32 may be secured to the fabric sheet 30 by a similar layer ofpressure-sensitive adhesive on the other surface thereof, and may be provided to the home user already cut into shape and with its adhesive coatings protected by strippable paper layers, as is well known. When the fabric is folded inside the shell 2 it will be seen that the adhesive-exposed surface of the ring 32 will be pressed against the radially inner portions of the shell rim 4 and the second member rim 26, as well as against the base 24 of the second member 22. Such pressure will cause the ring 32 to adhere to those surfaces of the button, and hence the fabric, when once drawn taut, will tend to remain in that condition, even during the period intervening between the infolding of the fabric and the insertion of the bottom button section, as set forth below. It will be noted that the width of the ring 32 is such that it is completely received within the top button section. Hence even if the subjection of the button to various cleaning processes should cause some of the adhesive between the ring 32 and the fabric 30 to discolor the fabric, that discolorization will be inside the button and will not affect its appearance. Although the ring 32 is specifically disclosed as attached to the fabric covering 30 when the latter is infolded into the top button section, it would, of course, be possible to initially apply the ring 32 inside the top button section and then cover the button with the fabric, theinfolded portion of the fabric adhering to the exposed adhesive surface of the ring 32.

The bottom button section, generally designated 34 is in the form of a shell having a base 36 and an upstanding rim 38. The size of the bottom button member 34 is such that it can be telescoped into the covered top section, with its rim 38 received snugly inside the infolded portion of the fabric sheet 30 which lies along the inner surface of the shell rim 4 ofthe top buttonsection. This preferably snug fit is not, however, relied upon exclusively to retain the button sections in assembled condition. For that purpose the base 36 of the bottom button section 34 is provided with a central aperture 40 through which the fingers 14 and the securing loop 18 on the top button section are adapted to pass. Additional apertures 42 are provided in the base 36 to either side of the first mentioned aperture 40. After the button sections have been assembled as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the fingers 14 are then bent over the base portions 36 of the bottom button section 34 between the aperture 40 and the apertures 42, and are then reentrantly bent through the apertures 42 into the space between the base 36 of the bottom button section 34 and the base 24 of the second member 22 in the top button section. Preferably, the length of the fingers 14 and the size of the fabric covering 30 are such that portions of the fabric covering 30 extend beneath the apertures 42 and the tips of the fingers 14 are pressed down to dig into, those portions of the fabric covering 30, thus tending to retain the fabric covering 30 tautly on the top button section, all as may be best seen in Fig. 5. The securing loop 18 projects from the assembled button so that the button may be sewn onto a garment in conventional manner.

The fingers 14 are firmly secured to the top button section, but without weakening that button section or forming any discontinuity in its outer surface. They hold the bottom button section 34 firmly and reliably. in position, and the. bottom button section 34 in turn engages the fabric covering 30 [to hold the latter in position. This latter engagement occurs between the rims 38 and 4 and between the edge .of the. rim 38 and the base 24 of the member 22. This, together with the previously mentioned engagement between the tips .of the fingers 14 substantially permanent retention of the fabric covering 30-in proper condition.

All of the parts of the button here disclosed may very readily be manufactured inexpensively on a large scale by conventional stamping, bending and forming techniques. They all may be formed from thin sheets of metal or the like, or, if desired, they or some of them could be molded of suitable plastic material. The structure is such that the parts need not be made with any great degree of dimensional precision, and when the top and bottom button sections are presented to the ordinary housewife, whose mechanical skill is usually comparative- 1y undeveloped, the cover, assembling and securing operations may readily be performed by her with a high degree of effectiveness and with an exceptionally high degree of attractiveness in the finished product.

While but a single embodiment of the present invention has been here disclosed, it Will be apparent that many variations may be made with respect thereto, all within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

I. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section comprising a shell covering and being secured to said bottom section, said top section having a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, said bottom section having a first aperture through which said fingers pass when said sections are assembled and having second and third apertures on opposite sides of said first aperture through which said fingers are bent to extend into said button when said sections are asse1nbled.

2. In a. button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section having a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, said bottom section having a first aperture through which said fingers pass when said sections are assembled and having second and third apertures on opposite sides of said first aperture through which said fingers are bent to extend into said button when said sections are assembled, said top section being covered by material which extends partially over the lower surface thereof above said second and third apertures in'said bottom section, said fingers being of a length such as, when bent through said second and third apertures, to engage said material.

3. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section having a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, said bottom section having a first aperture through which said fingers pass when said sections are assembled and having second and third apertures on opposite sides of said first aperture through which said fingers are bentto extend into said button when said sections are assembled, said top section comprising a shell, a first member received within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, and a second member sccured within said shell beneath said first member by direct engagement with one of said shell and said first member and having an aperture through which said fingers extend.

4. The button of claim 3, in which said top section is covered by material which extends partially over the lower surface thereof above said second and third apertures in said bottom section, said fingers being of a length such as, when bent through said second and third apertures, to engagesaidmaterial.

7 5. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section' having a pair 'of bendable'fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, said bottom section having a first aperture through which said fingers pass when and the fabric covering 30, provides forefiective and said sections are assembled and having second and third apertures'on opposite sides of said first aperture through "which said fingersarebent to'extend ihto' said button within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, and a second member having a rim secured within said shell beneath said first member, said second member having a rim and being held in place by direct engagement between its rim and the rim of said shell and having an aperture through which said fingers extend.

6. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section having a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section and having, between said fingers, a securing loop extending in the same direction, said bottom section having a first aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop pass when said sections are assembled and having second and third apertures on opposite sides of said first aperture through which said fingers are bent to extend into said button when said sections are assembled.

7. The button of claim 6, in which said top section comprises a shell, a first member received within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, and a second member secured within said shell beneath said first member and having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop extend.

8. The button of claim 6, in which said top section comprises a shell having a rim, a first member received within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, and a second member having a rim secured within said shell beneath said first member, said second member having a rim and being held in place by operative engagement between its rim and the rim of said shell and having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop extend.

9. The button of claim 6, in which said top section comprises a shell, a first member received within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, said securing loop being carried by said first member, and a second member secured within said shell beneath said first member and having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop extend.

10. The button of claim 9, in which said securing loop comprises a loop of wire-like material the ends of which are received in apertures in said first member.

11. The button of claim 6, in which said top section comprises a shell having a rim, a first member received within said shell, integral portions of said first member extending therefrom to define said fingers, said securing loop being carried by said first member, and a second member having a rim secured within said shell beneath said first member, said second member having a rim and being held in place by operative engagement between its rim and the rim of said shell, and having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop extend.

12. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top see tion comprising a shell, a first member received within said shell and having integral portions thereof defining a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, and a second member secured within said shell beneath said first member by direct engagement 7 with one of said shell and said first member, said second member having an aperture through which said fingers extend, said bottom section having an aperture through which said fingers pass when said sections are assembled, said fingers being bendable over the outer surface of said bottom section to retain said sections in connected position.

13. The button of claim 12, in which said second member and said shell have rims, said second member being secured within said shell by direct engagement between its rim and the rim of said shell.

14. In a button comprising connected top and bottom sections; the improvement which comprises said top section comprising a shell, a first member received within said shell and having integral portions thereof defining a pair of bendable fingers extending therefrom toward said bottom section, said first member also carrying a securing loop between and extending in the same direction as said fingers, and a second member secured within said shell by direct engagement with one of said shell and said first member beneath said first member, said second member having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing member extend, said bottom section having an aperture through which said fingers and said securing loop pass when said sections are assembled, said fingers being bendable over the outer surface of said bottom section to retain said sections in connected position.

15. The button of claim 14, in which said securing loop comprises a loop of wire-like material the ends of which. are received in apertures in said first member.

16. The button of claim 14, in which said second member and said shell have rims, said second member being secured within said shell by direct engagement between its rim and the rim of said shell.

17. The button of claim 16, in which said securing loop comprises a loop of wire-like material the ends of which are received in apertures in said first member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,397,957 Gulick Nov. 22, 1221 2,035,424 Chatfee Mar. 24, 1936 2,654,927 Tansman Oct. 13, 1953 2,717,434 Duell Sept. 13, 1955 2,736,938 Sparer Mar. 6, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 79 Great Britain 1884 882,191 France Feb. 22, 1943 885,493 Germany Aug. 6, 1953 

